"I have done a lot of things in my 18 years as a police officer, but didn't think I would be setting aside other work to be out looking for a pickle bandit," he said.

The pickles were in 5- and 1-gallon containers. Five area stores were found selling products at bargain prices, Pacteles said. Store owners or workers could face charges if they got the products illegally, he said, as well as anyone involved in the thefts.

"We assume that this is an inside job involving employees or former employees and will be able to eventually identify the person or persons involved, and they could be facing theft and embezzlement charges," he said, adding the investigation has produced several suspects.

Asked about the case, McClure's CEO Bob McClure told the newspaper: "I have my team on this and we are trying to get answers."